Press trust of India
New Delhi, Oct 20: The flamboyant Virender Sehwag, one of the world’s most destructive batsmen to have played the game, announced his retirement Tuesday from international cricket and the IPL, bringing an end to an illustrious career spanning 14 years. He chose his 37th birthday to mark the end of a career after hinting Monday in Dubai that retirement was imminent.
“I have always done what I felt was right and not what conformists thought to be right. God has been kind and I have done what I wanted to do – on the field and in my life. And I had decided some time back that I will retire on my 37th birthday. So today Tuesday), while I spend my day with my family, I hereby announce my retirement from all forms of international cricket and from the IPL,” Sehwag said in a statement.
“Cricket has been my life and continues to be so. Playing for India was a memorable journey. I wish to thank all my teammates over the years –some of the greatest players of the game. I would also like to thank all my captains who believed in me. I also thank our greatest partner, the Indian cricket fan, for all the love, support and memories,” the ‘Sultan of Multan’ he added.
The decision to retire came after Sehwag signed up to play in the next year’s Masters Champions League 2020, where only retired cricketers can play.
The marauding right-hander, whose awe-inspiring hand-eye coordination won him admiration of experts and fans alike, had been on the wane in the last two years. He last played in a home Test against Australia in March, 2013.
“I have also played against a lot of great players and it was an absolute pleasure and honour to do so. It was possibly the greatest motivation there was to play to the best of my ability,” Sehwag said in the statement. “I would also like to extend my gratitude and thanks to the BCCI and the DDCA, particularly Mr Arun Jaitley for their support over the years,” he added.
